Elegant efficiency

Over the past few years, builders have been constructing two-storey homes on smaller lots to make dwellings more affordable for prospective buyers.

It goes without saying that building a residence on a narrower lot is a challenging task.

That’s because the utmost precision is required to come up with a home that feels spacious and welcoming. Every detail of its design must be considered to maximize functionality and livability.

Broadview Homes’ 2026 Spring Parade of Homes show home at 168 Ruth Crossing is a shining example of a well-considered house design, says Lisa Castro of Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate.

“It all starts with the main living area,” she says, noting the two-storey home checks in at 1,396 sq. ft. “It’s very functional, and that’s because so much attention to detail went into the design. Every inch of available space has been used well.”

The Skye feels much larger than its listed square footage due to smart space allotment and subtle design hacks that increase the perception of volume.

Perhaps the most important of those design hacks is how the wall opposite the kitchen was used.

Firstly, the wall above the coffee bar was angled to open the upper-level staircase to the main floor. Doing that created visual appeal and an essential feeling of space.

Then, the wall was used brilliantly, as it not only houses the coffee bar, but a doorway to the home’s side entrance (and lower-level stairwell) and a roomy pantry with sliding doors.

“People going through the home during the Parade really liked the functionality of the coffee bar, which could also be used as a sideboard for entertaining,” Castro says. “They also appreciated the design of the kitchen/dining area.”

It’s easy to see why.

Almost unbelievably, the kitchen island is eight feet long, offering an eating nook for three, a double sink and tons of prep space.

There’s also plenty of fashion to go with that function, she adds.

“Everyone also loved the colours and finishes in the kitchen. The white cabinets go perfectly with the stainless-steel appliances and are set off by a grey-tile backsplash, and the quartz countertops add a touch of luxury,” Castro says. “The darker oak island base and cabinets under the coffee bar go beautifully with the warm laminate-plank flooring.”

Thanks to spot-on space distribution, both the dining area and great room are as functional and fetching as the magnificent island kitchen.

At nine-by-12 feet, the dining room — which was placed behind the kitchen beneath a mod chandelier and next to a large window — can easily seat six to 10 guests. It’s also next to a handy powder room and the back door.

Then, there’s the light-filled great room on the other side.

“What I like is that the layout in the main living area flows really well,” says Castro. “The great room is huge at 12-by-16 feet. A linear-electric fireplace surrounded by a grey feature wall is its focal point, while sun shines in all day long from a large, south-facing window.”

She says the upper-level staircase is a very pleasant surprise.

“It’s extra-wide, something you don’t necessarily expect. It looks good, and it’s very functional.”

The same could be said for the Skye’s upper level. Once again, the layout is exceptional, as in efficient — and bright.

“Two windows on the wall next to the staircase let in light, while more light streams in from the windows in all the bedrooms,” Castro says. “You can’t have enough natural light in a home.”

Meanwhile, the functionality quotient is off the charts. Both secondary bedrooms — which again are larger than expected — were placed to the right of the stairs next to a spacious main bathroom.

The primary bedroom was then placed to the left down its own eight-foot hallway to separate it neatly from the kids’ bedrooms.

“A laundry area next to it creates even more separation,” she says. “And the bedroom is amazing. Two staggered windows on the rear wall let in tons of natural light, there’s a big walk-in closet with a window and a deluxe ensuite with walk-in shower.”

Castro says the Skye is a sensational — and sensibly designed — home from start to finish.

“It’s a very efficient, family-friendly home that offers a perfect blend of style and function.”

lewys@mymts.net